San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Curtis Modkins spoke to the media on Thursday just prior to the team's fourth practice of training camp.
Quarterbacks
Regarding quarterback Colin Kaepernick, Modkins stated that he has done a good job. "He was very visible, he was around here this spring. He did all he could do," said Modkins. "He's done a good job of what we have asked him to do so far. I mean, the competition's kind of really just getting started." Modkins said that he has seen Kaepernick from afar as a player and feels that he is right on track.
"We'll probably know more once the live bullets start going in preseason," continued Modkins, further stressing that the team's exhibition games will be the best way to evaluate the two quarterbacks.
Modkins feels that both Kaepernick and Blaine Gabbert's skill sets are good for the 49ers' offense. "We'll get a chance to see more of their skillets once we get farther into this camp. Once we get in the preseason games, I think things will show more."
Wide receivers
Regarding the 49ers' young group of receivers, Modkins stated, "First of all, young is not necessarily bad. Young is good. I think each individual is different. But I think in general, around years two, three, you start to see things happen for maybe a wide receiver group in particular. But I'm excited about the youth in the group."
Modkins felt that the group was doing a good job and are competing. Again, it is anther group that they will be able to evaluate further in preseason and that they are progressing right around the rate they need them to right now.
When asked about WR DeAndre Smelter, Modkins stated that he looks like he is healthy now. "It's early. He's working his tail off," he said. "We moved him around a little bit in the spring. You could tell he was a little bit nicked up." Modkins feels that Smelter is going in the right direction now.
NaVorro Bowman's progress
Modkins was asked about NaVorro Bowman's progress now that he is fully recovered from injury. "He's always looked like a good player to me," he answered. "I've never noticed anything but a really good football player."
When asked what it was like preparing for Bowman when you are on an opposing team and facing him, Modkins stated, "You notice good players and he's definitely one that you notice."
Bruce Miller
"Any good offense should adapt to the skill set of your players," said Modkins when asked about Bruce Miller. "The good thing about Bruce is that he has a very versatile skill set. So a lot of the things that you do with a tradition fullback – move them around – we do the same thing on offense."
Modkins stated that it is always good to have a player that can move around and catch balls and Miller is doing a good job with all of that.
Anthony Davis
Modkins has had a good impression of OT Anthony Davis so far. "Anthony has come in, he's had his head down, and he's worked," he stated.
Carlos Hyde
Modkins called RB Carlos Hyde "a big guy that can run," stating that he has really good lateral agility. "I'm excited about what Carlos will do in this offense," he said. "I think he's got a chance to be really special. I think a lot of Carlos."
